Arthritis

Arthritis

Arthritis is a name for a group of conditions that result in damage to the joints in the body causing discomfort and pain. There are different types of arthritis, each type affecting you and the joints in different ways. The most common forms of arthritis are:

• Osteoarthritis – The most common form of joint condition that affects the bone, cartilage, ligaments and muscles. Often described as “wear and tear” or “degenerative change”, osteoarthritis is also thought to be the result of a joint working extra hard to repair itself (in the case of previous injury).
• Rheumatoid Arthritis – A common inflammatory form of arthritis. It is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system starts attacking its healthy tissues, particularly the lining of the joints, resulting in inflammation and joint damage.
• Gout – This is a condition where small crystals form in and around the joint due to a build up of Uric acid, resulting in inflammation, pain and swelling. The joint frequently becomes red, swollen and extremely painful. An attack of gout usually comes on very quickly and often can occur overnight.
• Ankylosing spondylitis – This is a condition that results in inflammation mainly affecting the spine. However, it can also affect the joints in the neck, back and pelvis. Symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis often involve pain and stiffness in the joint and can usually begin between the ages of 15 and 45 years.

Currently there is no cure for most forms of arthritis. However, the good news is that many types of arthritis can be effectively controlled by modern treatment. As arthritis affects different people in different ways, treatment has to be tailored to the needs of each person. It is important to work with your healthcare team to find treatments that suit you.

There are a few simple things you can do to live well with arthritis:

• Stay active: Keep your joints moving and your muscles strong
• Learn ways to manage pain: There are different strategies you can adopt to help you cope with pain
• Keep to a healthy weight: There isn’t a diet that can cure arthritis. However, a healthy balanced diet is best for your general health
• Look after and protect your joints: Find out about equipment that can assist in making your daily tasks easier to perform

For more information on the conditions we treat and services we offer, or to book an appointment please call (03)9790 4266 or email: [email protected]